Posted on 08/05/2006 2:31:31 AM PDT by Cagey
Tour de France champion Floyd Landis' backup urine sample confirmed high levels of testosterone, cycling's governing body said Saturday, raising the prospect that he could lose his title.
Following the results of the "B" sample, Landis was expected to be fired by his Swiss team, Phonak, which had suspended him pending the results. He also faces a two-year ban from USA Cycling, which is responsible for sanctions against the American rider.
"The analysis of the sample B of Floyd Landis's urine has confirmed the result of an adverse analytical finding notified by the Anti-doping laboratory of Paris on 26th July, following the analysis of the sample A," the International Cycling Union said, referring to the Chatenay-Malabry lab outside Paris.
The confirmed test sets off what could now be months of appeals and arguments by Landis, who repeatedly has claimed his innocence and vowed to fight the allegations.
If held up, Landis would become the first winner of cycling's premier race to lose his Tour title over doping allegations.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Confirmed ping for your list.
Very vary sad for the Tour de France...
unlike a majority over there
What a maroon...
You know, as much as I was rooting for the guy, I was simply shocked by his performance in the critical stage after completely bonking in the previous stage.
I wondered what caused the turnaround myself, and as much as I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt I just can't. My first instinct was he did something, and his inconsistent reasons for testing high hasn't changed my opinion at all.
While I'm not a competetive cyclist, I ride quite a bit (well, not as much the last few years) so I'm not judging as someone who hasn't ridden a bike since they rode their Huffy when they were 12. His turnaround was unprecedented, and I just can't buy it was anything other than a result of taking something he shouldn't have.
Who can confirm this?? Plus, do we know how many times during the race the riders were tested?
The stage winners are tested shortly after their victory in that particular stage.
If someone had beaten Landis on that critical stage, he would not have been tested.
So it looks like he was too dumb to come in second.
"That would make sense, but the stuff he tested positive for doesn't produce immediate results.
Who can confirm this??"
All of the docs interviewed at the time of the initial allegation said it. Also, Landis was taking an approved med for his hip that could have produced the result.
Well that would make more sense. I just can not believe that he would be this stupid.
This is a crazy Tour that is totally unpredictable. Landis, from the tears of La Toussuire is now again the favorite to win in Paris on Sunday.
Before stage 17 Liggett had said it was impossible for Landis to come back into contention. He was right about this being a crazy Tour.
The only problem with your notion is that artifically elevating the level of testosterone in the bloodstream won't affect short-term performance. The major effect of testosterone is to build muscle mass.
I think it is more likely a physiological effect from dehydration and/or stress.
Mark Levin Voice: what a dope!
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